Drew Barrymore’s connection with guests on the The Drew Barrymore Show has often been praised, but her hands-on approach appears to be wearing thin.

This week saw talk show legend Oprah Winfrey join Barrymore for an interview to promote the upcoming release of her new film, The Color Purple.

During the segment, Barrymore moved to sit close to Winfrey and repeatedly grabbed the latter’s hands, holding them close to her chest and face as the pair spoke.

At times when Winfrey unlinked their hands to gesture as she spoke, Barrymore stayed close and often put her hand on Winfrey’s lap instead.

As footage of the interview circulated online, many social media users were quick to label Barrymore’s handsy tendencies as “creepy” and “cringey”.

“Her drooling over the guests gives me second hand embarrassment.. and I can’t watch the show,” one Instagram user wrote.

“Oprah’s body language was so clear she wanted her hand back,” another commented.

No one:
Drew Barrymore: what if i took that feeling of standing too close to a stranger in a checkout line and turned it into a daytime talk show

— Emily (@emilytweeeeets) December 12, 2023

Others came to Barrymore’s defence, pointing out Barrymore and Winfrey have known each other for many years.

At one point, Winfrey was also filmed putting her hand on Barrymore’s lap, and grabbing her hand to hold.

“Clearly she has a relationship with Oprah that promotes this comfort level. Do your research they have plenty interviews together,” an Instagram user commented.

“Oh my goodness Drew. Her words, her eyes and her physical touch is healing just to watch. I can’t imagine being with her in a hammock on a girls trip and just swinging holding hands, laughing, crying … woman to woman supportive energy is so necessary. Go Drew!” wrote another.

Barrymore’s behaviour with Winfrey is not unusual for the actor-turned-talk show host.

The Drew Barrymore Show launched in 2020, and since COVID-19 social-distancing restrictions were dropped, Barrymore has become well known for getting up close and personal with her guests.

Hugs and hand-holding are a common sight on the show.

a hug from drew barrymore would probably cure everything that’s wrong in my life pic.twitter.com/odjulTwQK7

— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) December 3, 2023

When questioned by fellow talk show host Jimmy Fallon earlier this year about her apparent inability to keep her distance from guests, Barrymore said she felt a “magnetic pull”.

“I’m on my knees, I’m hugging,” she said.

“My therapist would say, like, ‘You’re not supposed to be attached to things,’ … I love doing this show so much. I get to learn from people every day. I get to have these incredible conversations that I definitely take something away with.

“It’s always improving my life. It’s profound. It’s fun. We like to be silly.”

At the time, her touchy-feely approach to hosting a talk show garnered her praise for being genuine and having good chemistry with her guests.

Although she may have got a bit too comfortable with Winfrey in some viewers’ eyes, Barrymore has also faced criticism for choosing to resume her talk show amid the Hollywood actors and writers strike earlier this year.

The move saw Barrymore labelled a “scab” by some, but she defended the decision by saying The Drew Barrymore Show was “bigger than me”.

However, the level of backlash she received quickly led her to walk back the decision and again pause the show.